Hyundai heats up hot hatch rivalry with the new i30 N

Amid the sales drop of some of its models in the US and the UK, Hyundai has become more impassioned to step up its game. The Korean automaker introduced a new performance hatchback, the 2018 Hyundai i30 N to compete against the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Peugeot 308 GTi, and Ford Focus ST.

The standard i30 N hatchback has a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that can generate 247 horsepower. This model can do the 0-62 miles per hour (0-100 kilometers per hour) sprint in 6.4 seconds. But you can always get the optional Performance Pack if you wish to have more power. Adding this pack will let your i30 N produce up to 271 horsepower, which reduces the car’s 0-62 time down to 6.2 seconds with launch control engaged. Both flavours have a top speed of 155 miles per hour (250 kilometers per hour), and a torque of 260 pound-feet (352 Newton-metres).

During the development process of the i30 N, the company spent over 10,000 kilometers (6,213 miles) of testing at the Nurburgring. This enabled engineers to develop a track-focused car. The 2.0 liter engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that features rev matching for smoother shifts, as well as an electronic differential. The hatchback was also given several drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, N mode and N Custom. The N mode alters the dampers, steering weight and throttle responsiveness, while the N Custom lets you adjust the i30 N the way you like it.

Compared to the i30, the suspension of the i30 N had been lowered, and it had also been given a new variable valve exhaust, which makes the newer model sound more aggressive with just a push of a button.

The i30 N is dressed in Performance Blue paint from the WRC, but it still is not as appealing as the Civic Type R. It has a prominent spoiler mounted on the trunk that gives more downforce when the car accelerates. The lower suspension and overall bodywork also makes it look more purposeful.

In the cabin, there is a chunky steering wheel for the driver and bolstered sports seats up front, while the rear passengers still get decent seats. There is a center console that comes with a standard five-inch touchscreen display that can be upgraded to an eight-inch one. Lastly, the i30 N comes with a trunk that stores just enough space.

The 2018 Hyundai i30 N looks promising. However, don’t expect it to come to the United States anytime soon. To date, the pricing for this model has not been announced but it will most likely be priced similarly to the Golf GTI.

Press Release

Exhilarating driving pleasure for everyone – The Hyundai i30 N

. The gear shift also features a unique blue stripe as part of the coherent colour design. On top, the ball-type knob bears the N-badge.

The electronic instrument cluster is specifically made for passionate drivers. The shift timing indicator positioned at the top centre of the cluster indicates when to shift gears for optimal race track driving performance. The red zone of the variable LED rev-counter changes according to the driving performance and varies with the engine’s oil temperature. Both the rev-counter and the speedometer are distinctively designed in accordance with the N line up, being surrounded by a blue lightning line.

The i30 N features uniquely designed high-performance sport seats with powerful lumbar support. Extendable seat cushions further enhance stability and comfort for the driver and front passenger. Customers can choose from a combination of suede and leather or cloth. Both versions feature the outstanding, stamped N logo on the back rest.

High-performance colour rangeBecause of Hyundai Motor’s motor sport heritage, the unique Performance Blue colouring was introduced with the start of its WRC engagement in 2014 and has represented the N line up ever since.

The special side sills enhancing the sporty character of the lowered body are painted in Black, while the outside mirrors come with a Glossy Black painting. As the handles are coloured in the same way as the body of the car, they almost disappear, creating a more dynamic look.

High-quality interior materials and dark metal inserts underline the elegant character of the i30 N and its affiliation with the motor sport sector.

State-of-the-art high-performance technologies can be effectively combined to provide a smooth and controlled ride. The key high-performance features are segment-leading for Hyundai Motor’s first N model and can be chosen individually by the driver depending on the driving mood.

Steering sytemThe i30 N offers a new level of precision in its steering, delivering great value to the driver: its rack-mounted motor driven power steering system (R-MDPS) provides stability to the vehicle at high speeds and makes the car instantly responsive at lower speeds. The electric steering assist system located in the steering gear offers very high output and is designed even for track day driving with cup tires.

Launch ControlThe i30 N’s Launch Control controls engine torque when starting from the standstill, helping to launch the car like a professional race driver. Launch Control can be effectively used in N drive mode: with the off-switched Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the clutch disengaged, the first gear can be engaged immediately by releasing the clutch pedal within five seconds after full throttle acceleration.

Rev matchingRev matching automatically adjusts the revs on the engine when the driver shifts from a higher to a lower gear. Consequently, depending on the drive mode, it allows smoother or sportier downshifts. The Rev matching button can be switched on easily by hand as it is located on the right side of the steering wheel.

Electronic Controlled Suspension (ECS)By controlling the damping force, ride and handling and stability are both enhanced. Depending on the driving conditions, from daily trips to circuit driving, the vehicle’s performance can be adjusted. The use of a solenoid valve guarantees a precise and immediate damping force control. It allows the driver to influence the stiffness of the suspension with the push of a button.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system stabilises the vehicle during cornering manoeuvres. If desired, the ESC can be switched off completely for maximum race track feeling.

Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) (with Performance Package)The strong cornering ability of i30 N is achieved by different new performance features, such as the Electronically-Controlled Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD). This allows driven wheels to turn at different speeds by applying different amounts of torque depending on the load transfer from the inner to the outer front axle wheel. Wheel slip in specific conditions is reduced and understeering on cornering minimised. E-LSD increases the maximum cornering speed and the fun to drive through corners from turning to early wind corner acceleration.

Electronic Sound Generator (ESG)To provide the inside of the i30 N with a real high-performance experience, a sporty engine sound is produced by the Electronic Sound Generator in the body panel. In the cabin, at the base of the windscreen,an engine sound generator which provides some extra acoustic drama to match the mood of the driver.

Variable Exhaust Valve System (with Performance Package)Depending on the drive mode, the customer can select different exhaust sounds and thus manage to actively control the exhaust valve. The sound differs with the size of the valve opening. The twin-outlet active exhaust has several settings, allowing the car to increase the amount of exhaust sound from normal to decidedly powerful.

Driving ModesDrivers can choose from five individual drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N and N Custom settings, which can be activated by using the two dedicated buttons on the steering wheel. The different modes change the character of the car, adjusting the parameters of the engine, the dampers, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), engine sound, steering and Rev matching. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings for each high-performance component to match driving preferences and road conditions.

The engine offers direct response with a linear power development through the early responding turbo charger, and is available with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission. The power is transferred independently to the gear train, in order to always be ready to shift to the next gear without any torque interruption.

The i30 N with Performance Package exclusively comes with 19-inch Pirelli P-Zero high-performance Hyundai N tyres, distinctive red N break calipers and larger brake discs (18-inch at the front, 17-inch at the rear). The Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD) and Variable Exhaust Valve System are additional features included in the Performance Package to provide the optimal race track experience.

The i30 N driving modes can be displayed on the 5.0-inch or the optional 8.0-inch touch screen with navigation featuring information on PS, torque, turbo boost as well as a lap and acceleration timer.

The i30 N includes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both systems enable users to connect their devices to deliver and control music, telephone or navigation functions on-screen. Seamless connectivity allows drivers and passengers to stay connected while remaining focussed on the road. Hyundai Motor also offers a wireless inductive charging pad for mobile phones (Qi standard) and seven-year free subscription to LIVE Services. LIVE Services offer updated information in real time: weather, traffic, speed cameras and online searches for points of interest.

Class-leading safety packageBy offering the latest active safety features for the new i30 N, Hyundai Motor democratises technology like the other i30 body types.

The Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) fitted in the i30 N operates in three stages using camera sensors. First, it warns the driver visually and audibly. In a second step, it controls the brakes according to the collision danger stage, and in a third stage applies maximum braking force to avoid a collision or minimise damage if a collision is unavoidable.

With the Driver Attention Alert (DAA), the i30 N features a driver protection system: this monitors driving patterns in order to detect reckless or fatigued driving and prevent potential accidents.

The Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) senses the car’s position and alerts the driver about unsafe movements at speeds over 60 km/h. By audibly and visually warning the driver before inducing corrective steering, it guides the driver back to a safe position.

Road speed signs are immediately recognised by the Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), which displays the speed limit in real time. The navigation system display and the TFT cluster both show the information. A

High Beam Assist (HBA) detects both oncoming vehicles and vehicles in the same lane ahead at night and changes to low-beam lights as appropriate, thereby reducing blinding effects on other drivers. HBA automatically re-activates the high beams and therefore maximises the driver’s range of vision as soon as no vehicles are detected.